The Har Ki Doon Valley in the Western Himalayas is one of the most scenic trekking trails ever. This cradle-shaped hanging valley in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand is also known as 'Valley of Gods'. As per the Hindu mythology, the Pandavas took this path for their Swarg-arohan which means rising up to the heaven. Trekking through the valley at the foothills of the breathtakingly beautiful Swargarohini peak justifies the name.

The trail is situated in the Govind National Park and gains altitude to touch the highest point at 11700ft (3500m approximately). It is an easy to moderate trek for a modestly fit person. Similar to any other physically demanding activity, this trek too, requires good stamina plus a strong mind.

Trek Distance And Duration
Har Ki Doon is an elaborate trek. In this multiple-day trek, a distance of approximately 77 km is covered over 7-8 days.

Best Time To Visit
The valley blooms with countless aromatic wildflowers in spring season (March - April) and the view is incredibly beautiful. Summers are pleasant here as opposed to the summer in the plains and therefore Har Ki Doon can be visited until June. If you visit Har Ki Doon post monsoon, i.e between September-October, you will walk along lush green meadows dotted with numerous flowers and glistening streams. Surrounded by snowy mountains, this alpine valley stays under snow blankets between October and March. Winter treks take place only until mid-November.

The Trail
The picturesque Sankri village serves as a base camp for many treks apart from the Har Ki Doon trek. It is around 200 km from Dehradun and the state transport run bus services can be availed to reach here. On arriving at this sleepy little hamlet lost in the wilderness, trekkers get a hint of what truly awaits.

As the trek progresses, the trail unwinds through ancient villages that will take you back in time with their rustic beauty & simplicity. You walk most through ancient forests and along old routes of the shepherds listening to interesting folklores, witnessing some of the most amazing flora and fauna. With the snowy peaks and glaciers never leaving your side, you will witness sunsets that you have never seen before.

Camping under the inky sky with infinite sparkling stars is an experience that will be forever etched in your mind. It is an altogether different level of thrill as you spot stars, constellations, planets and even the Milky Way in the distinctly clear mountain sky.